NORTHAMPTON — The downtown Florence streetscape has not undergone “major upgrades” in several decades, according to Mayor David Narkewicz.
That is set to change with funding allocated to make updates to the streetscape, and on Jan. 6, residents can weigh in on what they want to see in downtown Florence. A public forum is being held via Zoom that day at 5:30 p.m.
Previous forums were held over the past two years, and residents said they wanted to see updates like improved street lighting, additions like benches, and better accessibility, according to a notice about the meeting from the Department of Planning and Sustainability.
“People were interested in street trees,” Wayne Feiden, director of the department, said of the previous feedback he received. “That was probably the top priority.”
The project has $100,000 allocated to it, and Feiden plans on starting to implement changes in 2021.
“I think that reflecting what I’ve heard from retailers and business owners in Florence,” Narkewicz said, “that just like our other downtown, we want to make sure it’s safe and walkable and attractive and that we upgrade some of the dated infrastructure — sidewalks that need improving, adding more street trees, upgrading lighting,” he said.
Those who cannot make the meeting next week can still submit comments.
“If people can’t attend, email is probably the best way to send comments,” Feiden said.
Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.